Disclosure Ref: 10

Request for contact information held between the CPS and Conservative Party

Freedom of Information Act 2000 Request

Request.

I would like to request information about contact between the Crown Prosecution Service and Conservative Party Headquarters during the period in which CPS was investigating alleged breaches by the Conservative Party of election expenditure returns. This request is for any information that is available about contact between the Conservative Party and the following individuals working for CPS: Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders, Head of Special Crime Nick Vamos, any CPS lawyers involved in examining the files of evidence submitted by 14 police forces.

The forms of contact may include phone calls, meetings, or emails between the individuals listed above and any individuals working for or on behalf of Conservative Party Headquarters. Such individuals may include: Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Lord Michael Farmer, Lord Andrew Feldman, Grant Shapps, Nick Timothy, and Simon Day.

Response

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds no material relating to contact between the named CPS officials or any other lawyers and the Conservative Party.

It should be noted the CPS does not investigate, as the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

- advising the police on cases for possible prosecution;
- reviewing cases submitted by the police;
- determining any charges in more serious or complex cases;
- preparing cases for court; presenting cases at court.

Information Management Unit 020 3357 0899 FOI.Unit@cps.gsi.gov.uk